Title: Remember Me
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Rating: R
Summary: Fantasy AU, Spike asks Buffy to pretend to be his fiance for a business holiday. Things happen.

Summary: Buffy and Spike have been best friends since they met in college nearly 10 years ago. Spike needs Buffy's help, asking her to attend a week long business trip as his pretend fiance. After some cajoling she agrees. During the trip, Buffy has a mild accident. Spike discovers his problems have only just begun when Buffy wakes to the belief that she really is Spike's fiance!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Joss owns it all damn him!

***

Prologue

"You want me to what?" Buffy asked, incredulous. She stared in disbelief at her long time friend, wondering if this was just another one of those jokes she didn't get.

"I really need your help, luv." Spike answered, giving her a pleading look. "You know what Dru's leaving has done to me." The words were spoken quickly, as if even speaking her name still hurt him.

"Oh, Spike." Buffy quickly made her way to the couch and plopped down next to him. She wrapped her arms around his wiry frame and pulled him close. She kissed his cheek lightly as she hugged him to her. "I know, sweetie."

Spike didn't want to think of his long time girlfriend...ex-girlfriend. Buffy had never liked Dru, but that hadn't stopped her from supporting him and then comforting him once the whole thing had finally come crashing down. He should have known that Dru would never change, but he kept giving her the benefit of the doubt.

Her latest betrayal was the last straw. Not only had she been sleeping with another man but Spike had caught them in his home on what was supposed to be his and Dru's 2nd year anniversary. The picture that had been etched in his memory had yet to fade.

"Buffy, luv." Spike turned in her embrace so that they could face one another. "You know I wouldn't ask if I weren't desperate."

Buffy knew that she should say no. How could he expect her to spend a week pretending to be his fiance? And was it really necessary? She could understand him wanting to save face with the business associates he would be meeting. After all they were all bringing their spouses, and Spike had made reservations for himself and his fiance. To show up now with no fiance, while still trying to get over the breakup would probably not look too good.

But could she do it? Buffy had never liked Dru. In fact, she had a distinct hate for the other woman. And sometime in the last year Buffy had realized that, that was exactly how she thought of her, as the 'other woman'.

Buffy and Spike had become fast friends the moment they'd met in English 101 at Sunnydale University. Spike, William at the time, had been shy and reserved unlike every other guy she'd met on campus. They'd gotten together to study for the class and they hadn't really been apart since.

She had never really wondered why they never dated. They'd discussed it once, she thought, maybe while they were drunk one night. But it seemed as if they'd come to a mutual agreement that they never wanted to risk their friendship for anything more fleeting.

But over the past year, while watching him agonize over Dru, Buffy's feelings had somehow changed. It sounded so cliché, she knew, but Buffy had actually woken up one morning and realized that the person she'd been looking for her entire life had been standing right in front of her the whole time.

At the time of Buffy's epiphany, Spike had still been engaged to Dru. Although Buffy sincerely disliked the woman, she wanted nothing more than for Spike to be happy. She curbed her tongue, and let Spike decide for himself whether Dru really was the person that could make him happy for the rest of his life.

The day he'd come to her, tears streaming down his face, Buffy was torn. On the one hand she was elated that Spike had finally seen what kind of woman Dru really was, but on the other Buffy's own heart ached to see Spike so broken. That had been nearly 5 months ago.

Buffy had several internal debates on whether she should reveal her feelings to Spike. There wasn't any other person on the planet that knew her better than he did, but even he didn't know the depths of her feelings for him. She was always careful to conceal anything that might ruin the relationship they already had.

She thought, *hoped*, that in a few months time, after he'd had a chance to get over Dru she might be able to broach the subject to him. But could she spend a whole week with him as his fiance, without letting the cat out of the bag?

Spike's voice broke into her meandering thoughts. "Buffy, I know it's a lot to ask. But I can't show up there alone. Dru was supposed to be there to help me with all the social stuff, you know how bloody bad I am at these types of events. And with all the other businessmen attending with their significant others it will just make me stand out even more!"

"Spike, I want to help you, but..."

"Please, luv. It's a free holiday for you." He gave her another pleading look before bringing out the big guns. "I could really use a friend." He whispered the words forlornly.

"Oooh." Buffy chewed her bottom lip in aggravation. How could she say no? "Okay."

Spike beamed her a brilliant smile before jumping off the sofa. He turned and gave her a bear hug and a peck on the forehead before striding toward the door. "Thanks, luv. You won't regret it!"

Buffy wasn't so sure of that.

***

Chapter 1 - The Ring

Buffy met Spike for lunch the following week to discuss their plans for the trip. She still wasn't sure this was a good idea, and had been having second thoughts since the moment she'd agreed.

When Spike arrived he could tell that Buffy was ready to back out. "Hello, kitten." He kissed her lightly on the cheek as he took the seat across from her. He knew better than to pretend that everything was okay, so he took her hand in his and leaned forward. "Buffy, you know I would never want to make you do anything you find uncomfortable. If you've changed your mind," Spike shrugged and let out a heavy sigh. "I'll deal with it, luv. It's not the apocalypse after all." He smiled to reassure her.

Buffy melted. Spike was willing to risk his own embarrassment and possible work related repercussions to make sure that she was okay. How could she not help him? When she knew if the situation were reversed he'd be there for her in a heartbeat. "No, Spike. Of course, I'll do it. I said I would. I won't let you down."

"That's my girl." He kissed her cheek again, then let go of her hand to reach for a menu.

Buffy studied him while he went over his choices for lunch. He wasn't the most handsome man she'd ever met. When they'd first met she remembered only thinking that he was, well, nondescript would probably be the word for it. He'd been shy and bookish, but his open face and bashful smile had caught her attention.

Over the years, she supposed she'd just gotten used to having him in her life. She hadn't noticed all the changes he'd gone through, hadn't really blinked in eye when he insisted she start calling him Spike, rather than William. Although she did occasionally still risk calling him Will now and then. Secretly she loved to call him Will because it felt like her own special name for him. He never allowed anyone outside of the office to call him that, not even Dru.

Buffy didn't know when she'd first taken a second look at him. One day they'd been sitting having lunch just like today, when she'd looked up and seen him. Really seen him for the first time in years. The skinny boy she'd grown accustomed to had become a lean, muscular man while she wasn't looking. His appearance was no longer nondescript, but chiseled and sexy. She had to admit though she'd always found his startlingly blue eyes an attractive feature, even way back when they'd first bumped into each other trying to get to the same seat in class.

"Do you know what you want, pet?" Spike asked, breaking into her thoughts.

Buffy was startled to see the waitress standing by their table. She hadn't even noticed the woman's approach. "Oh, sorry!" She blushed. "Yes, I'd like the cobb salad and another iced mocha, please. Oh, and can you bring another basket of bread?"

"Sure, hon," the waitress turned to Spike. "And what'll you have handsome?"

Spike smirked and winked at the woman. "Just a roast beef sandwich with fries, luv. Thanks." He handed back the menus.

Buffy and Spike made small talk until the food came. Buffy talked about the girl's night out she'd had with Willow, Tara, and Cordy the previous Saturday. She had Spike laughing out loud when she repeated some of the lame pick-up lines that some bloke named Riley had tried to use on her.

When the food finally arrived they both dug in. Spike shot Buffy a few surreptitious glances from beneath his lashes. He was worried about her. She'd been acting strange for the past 6 months or so, and he worried that there might be something wrong. But she hadn't said anything and all his attempts to pry information from her so far had been met with either silence or denials.

Lately it seemed as if she was nervous around him, but for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. *He* had always been the nervous one, with a perfect right to it. When she'd first begun talking to him in that far away English class, he'd been shocked and almost speechless. He remembered thinking how utterly beautiful she was, and knowing that she had somehow made a mistake by sitting next to him. But when she continued to do so, and then began asking him to join her for study sessions, Spike just counted his blessings.

He knew Buffy was way out of his league. She was the kind of woman to date football players, or even movie stars, not a shy, wannabe poet. He contented himself with being her friend, and made sure never to push her for more in fear that she'd take even that small part of her away from him. Over the years he'd grown accustomed to being the one she came to when her heart had been broken, but never the one she wanted to give her heart to. He'd even come to accept it.

But he wouldn't be able to bear losing her now. He hoped that he was just overreacting and that there truly was nothing wrong. But one of Spike's motives for inviting her on his upcoming business trip was to get to the bottom of whatever was bothering Buffy. He wanted to make sure it was something he could fix before it became too late.

"So did you get the plane tickets changed to my name?" Buffy asked in between bites.

"Sure, no problem. We're you able to take the time off at work, okay?" He answered.

"Yeah, I've got loads of overtime, so they owe me." Buffy was PA for a small movie studio. It definitely wasn't a glamorous job, but it had its perks.

"There's really only one thing we have left to take care of, luv."

"Hmm? What's that?" Buffy queried looking up from her salad.

"The ring. You'll need one if we're going to convince people we're actually engaged."

"Oh." Buffy thought back to her meager jewelry stash, mentally going through each ring in her possession. "I'm not sure I have anything appropriate."

"No worries, luv. I'll buy you one." Spike answered, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

"What? No, you can't do that!" Buffy said. "That's too expensive! What about Dru's ring?"

"I told her to keep the bloody thing!" Spike spit out. "I never wanted to see it again anyway."

"Spike! You shouldn't have done that. You could have returned it, or sold it somewhere else!" Buffy reprimanded him, although secretly she was glad not to have to wear Dru's castoff.

"I didn't want the reminder, Buffy. And it's only money."

Buffy felt horrible, she was only making him feel worse when all she wanted to do was make him happy. "Okay, I'm sorry Spike. But you still don't have to buy me one."

"No, I want to. It'll be a thank you for everything you're doing for me." He smiled at her. "So, what kind of stone do you want?"

"Oh, um.cubic zirconia is nice and no one can tell the difference." She hedged. She didn't want Spike spending his money on her. She never wanted Spike to associate her with the women who'd chased after him early on when he'd made his first million.

"Buffy! I'm not buying you any bloody cubic zirconian ring!" Spike huffed. "Just finish eating and we'll go out to the shops this afternoon."

Reluctantly Buffy accompanied Spike downtown, where they entered the first jewelry store they came upon. Spike had to practically drag Buffy into the store, wrapping his arm around her waist he tugged her through the door. Once inside he let his arm slip down, his fingers grabbing onto hers and entwining them together. He pulled her toward the display case and let the gentleman behind the counter know that they were in to see engagement rings.

Buffy's whole body was flushed. Since her realization that she was in love with Spike, she'd found herself getting flustered and excited whenever he made any significant contact with her. That basically meant any contact whatsoever, but at times like this, when her hand was firmly ensconced in his she felt like a whole colony of butterflies had made a home in her stomach.

Buffy bit back a sigh of disappointment when he let go of her hand to point at a few rings in the display. Dutifully she leaned forward to see what he had pointed out, frowning slightly at the clearly expensive rings he was picking. When the clerk pulled the case out of the glass so that they could get a better look, she tried to pick a smaller less elegant ring, but Spike would have none of it.

"Don't just pick the smallest one, Buffy." He chided her. "Here, try this one." He pulled out a beautiful one carat Ruby ring, surrounded by two small clusters of 1/4 carat diamonds on each side. The band was made of white gold. He slipped it on her finger, smiling and holding her hand while he admired the fit and waited for her approval.

Buffy's lip trembled and she tried to suppress the tears that threatened to spring from her eyes. This was too real. It didn't feel anything like a charade, and Buffy's heart ached. When Spike looked up at her face he noticed her disconsolate look, and hastened to reassure her. "If it bothers you that much, you don't have to keep it. I'll bring it back after the trip, or sell it, or something. But we do have to have something people would actually believe I'd buy for my one and only true love. Okay?"

Buffy nodded, not trusting her voice.

"Is this the one you want, luv?" Spike asked, concern in his expression and worry in his voice. Had he done something wrong? He knew he shouldn't have pushed her to agree to his crazy scheme, but he hadn't been able to help himself. He hoped he hadn't pushed her too far. But he had given her an opportunity to back out, and she hadn't taken it. He figured that was as good a sign as any.

"It's beautiful." She managed to whisper the words.

Spike brought his hand up and cupped her cheek, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Are you okay, kitten?"

She gave him a tremulous smile, and nodded once again. She fought the urge to lean her cheek into his warm touch. "Fine. Just tired. It's been a long day."

Spike didn't believe her for one second, but knew that he wouldn't get anything else out of her. "Okay. I'll just pay and we'll get you home."

"Thanks." Buffy tried another smile this one came out just a shade brighter than the last.

When Spike disappeared into the back room with the sales clerk to ring up the final purchase, Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. This whole thing was already way too intense. How was she going to get through the week?

She twirled the ring on her finger, letting the longing ripple through her in a rush. This was what she wanted. This was her dream. Maybe it was something she'd never have. The thought made her shudder. Maybe this week would be the only chance she'd ever get to play the part of Spike's love.

Buffy straightened her shoulders and made a decision. This may well be her only chance, and she was going to make the most of it. She'd be allowed, expected even, to touch him, and kiss him, and show her love for him all week. And by god, she was going to do it! She'd worry about the consequences later. But for now she was going to take the opportunity that had been presented to her. She was going to be everything Spike wanted and needed in a woman. At least for this one week.

***

Chapter 2 - The Girls/The Boys

Cordy, Tara, and Willow sat around Buffy's bedroom sipping on wine coolers and watching her pack.

"I can't believe you agreed to do this!" Willow exclaimed. "Why couldn't he just explain that his fiance couldn't make it?"

"Willow, you know how nervous Spike still gets when he's around too many people. He's forced himself to deal with the important business meetings, but throw him into a dinner party with more than 6 people and he's lost!" Buffy responded. "He said he needed a friend."

"Yeah, right." Cordy almost spit out her drink. She gave Buffy her 'are you kidding me?' look.

"What?" Buffy asked defensively.

"So he says he needs a 'friend'." Cordy put the air quotes around the last word, both brows lifting sardonically.

"Yeah, so?" Buffy prompted her to continue but was surprised when Tara piped up instead.

"Buffy, I think Cordelia's hinting that he may finally be wanting something more than friendship from you."

"No way! You guys don't know Spike." Buffy answered her heart hammering. "Besides, we've always just been friends. He wouldn't want to change that now. And he's still getting over Dru, remember?" Buffy voiced some of her own fears.

"Do you really believe that?" Willow asked, giving Buffy a knowing look. "We've always wondered why the two of you haven't gotten together before." Both Cordy and Tara nodded at Willow's statement.

Buffy chewed her bottom lip. She hadn't told anyone yet of her feelings for Spike. The one person she would normally tell everything to was out of the picture, since he was the one she'd fallen in love with! She'd sort of been paralyzed with the fear that saying or doing anything about her new feelings would have a devastating ripple effect in her life. She wasn't sure she'd be able to survive if that ripple pushed Spike away from her.

"You know we're just friends. We've never seen each other as anything more than that." 'Until now', she thought.

Buffy's three friends just looked at each other, deciding to let it go. "So, what are you bringing with you?" Cordy asked, pawing through the pile of clothes Buffy had dropped onto the bed to sort. "Oh! How about this sexy number?"

Buffy breathed an internal sigh of relief that the subject had been dropped. She turned to see which outfit Cordy had picked up and blushed to find her holding up one of her Victoria Secret's nighties. "How did that get in there? I wasn't planning to bring that!" She snatched the nightie up and tossed it toward the hamper in the corner.

Willow retrieved the nightgown and held it up once more. "Why don't you bring it? It's pretty. And I'm sure Spike would appreciate it." Willow winked at her.

Still blushing, Buffy turned to sort through the rest of her clothes shaking her head at her friend. "No! Are you guys crazy? Spike would *not* appreciate it! He'd think I was trying to seduce him or something. He'd probably run screaming!" She tried to joke about it.

"He might be screaming by the end of the night, but I doubt he'd be running away." Cordy said under her breath as she snuck the nightgown into the bottom of Buffy's suitcase.

After that the girls buckled down and helped Buffy pack the rest of her things. She brought two different bathing suits and several pairs of shorts. She made sure to bring extra halter tops, since she wasn't sure how many different activities they'd be participating in during the day. She also brought one nice dress for every evening they'd be out. She didn't' know if they were going to have to dress for every dinner, but she wanted to be prepared.

Privately she was excited to have a reason to wear such elegant, yet sexy, clothing for Spike. It was rare that he'd seen her in anything more than jeans and a blouse. They didn't go out to swanky social events very often, really not at all, the more she thought about it. The one time they'd gone to a black-tie affair together it had been Willow's wedding to Wesley, and she'd been forced to wear a bridesmaids dress rather than something she'd picked out herself. To be fair, Willow had picked a great dress, but it still wasn't Buffy's usual style.

He'd seen pictures of her of course. From formals at college and some press photos at random studio parties she'd attended, but never anything in person. Buffy looked toward her three friends, deep in a debate over Orlando Bloom versus James Marsters as the sexiest man alive, and sighed.

Willow had Wesley. Xander would be dropping down to one knee for Cordy any day now. And sweet, shy Tara was already engaged to her long time love, Lorne. Sometimes, when they all got together like this, Buffy felt like the odd man out. When would she ever find her true love? She'd started to believe that it just wasn't going to happen. And then she'd been hit with the sledgehammer that Spike was her true love. And now the question had changed. Would her true love ever find her?

***

Spike's suitcase lay open on his bed while he rifled through his closet picking out different suits for the trip. He'd already thrown in a couple pairs of swim trunks, and even one pair of speedos, though he doubted he'd have the balls to wear it in front of Buffy. He had several casual outfits already folded and packed away, and now he just needed his business and formal wear.

Spike through the last of his clothes into his cases, just as the doorbell rang. He vaulted down the steps and opened the door to three familiar faces. Wesley, Xander, and Lorne stood on his stoop with a case of beer and two large and delicious smelling pizzas.

"Come in gents." He waved his arms in invitation, grabbing one of the pizza boxes as they passed. "Let's get settled in the game room, we can eat in there."

"So you ready for your big trip?" Xander asked, munching down on a big greasy slice.

"Yeah, just finished packing, mate." Spike answered as he racked the pool table. "Can't believe Buffy agreed to go to Kauai with me for a week." Spike shook his head.

"Oh yeah, tough choice I'm sure." Lorne said sarcastically. "What girl wouldn't want an all expense paid trip to paradise?"

"Nah. Buffy's not like that. She doesn't care about money, or fancy things." Spike insisted.

The boys looked at each other and smirked. Their friend had it bad.

"Yes, I agree. Buffy's very special." Wesley responded. "Much like my Willow." He couldn't help adding.

"'S probably why they're mates." Spike nodded at Wes. "You want to break?"

"Sure." Wes chose a cue stick and lined up his shot. "So, how much work is going to be mixed in with the fun?"

"Well, it's really mostly just that ridiculous hob nobbing." Spike answered, dry washing his face with his right hand. "I hate having to bloody 'network', but Laura insists." Laura was Spike's ever efficient PR secretary.

Spike owned and operated a large publishing firm. He handled anything from preschool board books to hot ticket bestsellers. This week was a chance for him to meet with several large clients, and other vendors in the industry. It was a big conference held every year. It was a great chance to solicit new business and help reaffirm old, while giving everyone in attendance a sort of busman's holiday.

"They are going to have a few good activities like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. I'm sure Buffy will want to try those." Spike thought of Buffy in a bikini, and quickly shook the arousing image out of his head. "You know how active she is. She'll love it." He hoped she would at least. Maybe it would snap her out of the funk she'd been in lately.

"So, does she know you'll have to share a room?" Xander waggled his eyebrows trying to affect a leer.

"Yeah, 'course she does. We are supposed to be engaged." Spike answered exasperated.

"What about the kissy face you guys are gonna have to do?" Lorne asked.

"Huh?" Spike was busy setting up a shot for the 2 ball. "Kissy face? What are you talking about mate?"

Wesley raised an inquisitive brow at him. "You do know you'll most likely have to be affectionate don't you? At least in public, you'll have to kiss, hold hands, that sort of thing."

Spike missed the shot, sending the cue ball into the side pocket instead. Bollocks! Of course they'd have to kiss. Spike's heart began to beat erratically. He'd never kissed Buffy before, not really, a peck here and there, but nothing like what they'd have to do during this trip. What had he been thinking? Was he trying to torture himself?

Xander laughed. "Guess you didn't think of that before hand, huh?"

Spike scowled at him.

"Spike, maybe this is your chance." Wesley prodded him.

"Chance for what?"

"To make your move." Lorne took up the baton, then handed it to Xander.

"Yeah, man. Who knows? You might actually come back as an engaged man, instead of an impostor." Xander finished.

"You guys are daft. Buffy would never think of me that way." Spike muttered, though his brows drew together in thought.

But all three men noticed that Spike didn't deny thinking of Buffy that way.

***

Chapter 3 - The Airport

Spike picked Buffy up at the ungodly hour of 5 AM, in order to make it to the airport on time. Their flight left at 6:45 and they still needed to park the car, check in their bags, and hopefully grab some coffee and a bagel before getting on the plane.

"Mornin', pet." Spike greeted her as he hefted her bags into the trunk of his beloved Desoto. Buffy couldn't believe that with all Spike's money he insisted on keeping his old car. She didn't believe him when he said it was a classic. It didn't look like a classic to her.

"Morning, sweetheart." She gave him a peck on the cheek before seating herself in the car. She laughed and winked at him when he did a double take. "We have to start getting into our roles sometime, don't we?" Buffy asked with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Whatever you say, honeykins." Spike gave her a saccharine grin in return.

"Oh no! Forget it!" Buffy laughed. "I'm not going by honeykins! The deals off!" She tried to get back out of the ancient car.

Spike stepped around to the passenger's side and kept her firmly in place. Chuckling he asked, "Okay, why don't you just call me Spike, and I'll just call you Buffy."

"Don't you mean Will?" Buffy asked.

"Oh yeah. Do you think you can remember that, luv?" Spike asked, his brow furrowed. He'd forgotten that most, if not all, of his business associates knew him as Will or William.

"Sure." Buffy shrugged. "And if I forget every once in awhile, I'll just tell them that's your little, oops I mean not so little, bedroom nickname." She laughed. Spike blushed.

"Cheeky chit!" Spike admonished her before stepping back over to the driver's side of the car and getting in.

***

They arrived at the airport relatively unscathed. Spike grumbled about the fact that they were only to be gone a week, not a month when he started to haul Buffy's luggage toward the check-in.

"I needed to make sure I was prepared for anything." Buffy tried to explain.

"Well, luv, it feels like your prepared for a bloody hurricane!"

Buffy slugged him in the shoulder.

"Oi!"

"You're the one who asked me to come." Buffy sulked.

Softening, because it was true and he knew how much she'd been against it, Spike stopped. Buffy turned to ask him what was wrong when he dropped their cases and reached for her. Surprised Buffy let out a small squeak before Spike had a chance to wrap his arms around her.

"I'm not attacking you, Buffy!" Spike hugged her tight. "I know you didn't want to come, and I'm grateful that you did. Thank you, kitten." Spike swooped down and kissed her lightly on the cheek, letting his lips linger for just a second longer than absolutely necessary.

Buffy pulled away before her body began to tremble at his closeness. She stepped back and gave him a warm smile. "I couldn't let you down Spike, I know how much this means to you."

"I know, luv." Spike bent down and re-shouldered his burden, motioning to Buffy to lead the way.

After checking in their cases, Buffy tugged Spike along toward the coffee shop she'd seen earlier. "I really need a wake me up." She told him.

"Don't you mean a pick me up, pet?" Spike asked, chuckling.

"No, I mean a wake me up! Do you think it's normal to be up at this hour? Only farmers and...and newspaper delivery men wake up this early!" She finally finished.

"Newspaper delivery men?" Spike raised a scarred eyebrow toward her. Buffy loved that little feature on his sculpted brow, although she thanked god everyday that that was the only reminder he'd had from that confrontation. The scar had been caused by a couple of teenage muggers. A few years ago Spike had been walking from his office to his car when some guys had jumped him from behind. They'd had brass knuckles and used them. Luckily the only permanent damage had been the small scar bisecting his left eyebrow. Buffy thought it gave him a sort of rakish, bad boy look, although she'd never admit that to him.

"What? Aren't they up at the crack of dawn?" Buffy asked innocently, she even batted her eyelashes for him.

"We were hardly up at dawn, Buffy." Spike replied.

"Says you! It takes hours to look this good, mister!" She pushed a pointed finger into his chest. "Do you think I just wake up looking beautiful?"

"Yeah." Spike answered under his breath as he watched her stomp toward the coffee shop.

They got in line, waiting for their turn at a caffeine jolt. When they got to the cashier Buffy ordered some complicated skimmed milk, double shot, mocha something or other, while Spike just had a cup of today's coffee.

They stood aside sipping at their hot drinks debating over whether to sit down for a few minutes or head over to the gate. "We still have about 45 minutes until our flight leaves. They won't start boarding for another 15 - 20 minutes." Buffy said.

"Did you want to sit here for a bit?" Spike asked, the coffee shop was nearly empty, only two other people were sitting at one of the tables.

"Sure." Buffy chose a table and sat, watching as Spike followed.

"Are you nervous about the conference, Will?" She asked. She'd decided to start calling him Will now, so that she'd be less like to forget later.

"I don't think nervous is the right word, luv. You know I hate these big events. Just away to advertise, but I feel like a walking advert the whole time!" Spike answered.

Buffy reached out and took his hand. "Don't worry about it, Will. At least with me along we can kick back in between events and get in a little fun." She smiled encouragingly.

At her words several different images passed through Spike's mind in quick succession. None of them Buffy's definition of fun, he was sure. But if his body's response was any indication, they sure were his.

Before he could respond they were interrupted by the couple that had been seated in the shop ahead them. The man leaned forward and asked, "Did I hear you guys say you were going to a conference, and that your flight left in forty? You wouldn't be heading to the Annual Waterman's Publishing Conference on Kauai would you?"

Spike's eyes narrowed. He didn't like this guy.

"Yes. How did you know?" Buffy answered surprised.

"We're going there too." The man motioned toward himself and the woman with him.

"Really? What a coincidence." Buffy replied.

"I'm Angel." The man offered his hand. Buffy took it enthusiastically. Spike shook it reluctantly. "And this is Harmony." He pointed toward the woman with him.

Again the three exchanged hand shakes. Spike could already tell he didn't want to be hanging out with these people. The man was a total git, and the woman was a bubble-brained idiot.

"I'm Will. And this is my *fiance* Buffy." He made sure to emphasize the word.

Buffy smiled at the new couple, wondering why Spike was being so hostile. They didn't seem that bad, although Harmony could get on her nerves after awhile, she thought. She shrugged putting it off to the fact that Spike didn't really like any social interaction if it didn't involve their tight circle of friends. That's why she was there, right?

While Buffy made small talk with the couple, Spike took a moment to study the man who'd interrupted them. He was tall, and built. Even Spike could see his straining muscles through his dress shirt. He had dark brown hair, slicked back with gel, and a wide forehead.

Spike sighed. He was just Buffy's type. Tall, dark, and broody, the type of man Buffy had always dated. He looked like he might have been a football player at one time as well.

Standing abruptly Spike took his empty coffee cup and threw it in the rubbish bin. "We should probably go." He looked at Buffy as he spoke. "Come on, luv, you can sleep some more on the plane. I know how tired you are." He helped her out of her seat and turned to nod a goodbye at the other couple.

"Awww, Angel honey! Aren't they the cutest?" Harmony purred, wrapping her arm around Angel's bicep. "Isn't Will a sweetie?"

"Yeah, real sweet." Angel sad sarcastically.

Spike only nodded and murmured goodbye as he ushered Buffy toward the exit. Before they reached it, Buffy whispered under her breath, "What is your problem?"

They stopped, just inside the coffee shop walls. "Nothing."

"Yeah, right. You practically dragged me out of there."

"That stupid git was coming on to you!" Spike tried hard to keep his voice down.

"What? That's ridiculous. First of all he's with his own girlfriend. Second of all we were just making small talk." Buffy tried to reassure him.

"Whatever. Let's go." Spike tried to pull her through the exit once more.

"No, stop." She dug in her heels. "Look, even if he was flirting with me, it doesn't matter. I wasn't flirting back."

Spike sighed and dragged his hand through his unruly curls. He hadn't bothered to gel them down that morning since they were going to be traveling most of the day. "You trying to tell me he isn't exactly your type? That you don't find him attractive?"

"Him?" Buffy was surprised. She turned back and took another look at the imposing brunette. "Well, I guess he's good looking in a cave man sort of way. But I don't think he's my type." 'You're my only type,' she thought.

"So you're not attracted to him?" Spike asked again.

"To him? No." Buffy answered with finality. Turning back she grinned, "Why? Are you jealous Spike?"

"Hey, just want to make sure you remember who you're engaged to this week, 's all." Spike murmured turning away.

Buffy felt a stab of disappointment, but hastened to reassure her friend. "I know. I'm just teasing Spike. Don't worry, everything will turn out fine."

"You think? Those two in there probably don't even believe we're engaged and it's only the first hour of our trip!" Spike said, panic seeping into his voice. Why had he thought this would work?

"You don't think they believe I'm your fiance?" Buffy asked, turning back to the couple and seeing them watching her conversation with Spike. "Well, let's convince them."

And before Spike could wonder what she meant, Buffy was in his arms. He wrapped them around her automatically, his eyes closing and his mouth opening on a surprised gasp when their lips met.

The kiss was sweet, their lips brushing against one another in a slow leisurely way. He nibble at her bottom lip, sucking it in he licked at it cautiously. When she didn't protest or pull away, he let his tongue wander further into the moist cavern of her mouth.

Buffy whimpered and pressed her body even closer to his. The hard points of her breasts pushed up against Spike's chest, and they both let out husky groans. Buffy's hands came up to explore Spike's back, as she let Spike explore her mouth.

The feel of Buffy against him, leaning in to him, wanting his touch almost had Spike losing control. When she finally began to pull away, he followed. Taking her mouth again, and bringing her back to him. She gave in readily, and they kissed for several moments more. Finally, knowing they had to catch a plane and that they were still in public, Spike pulled away.

They looked at each other in silence, their breath mingling together as they each panted in tiny gasps. "I guess, they're convinced now, huh?" Buffy murmured, finally stepping back from Spike's embrace. She hugged her own arms around her waist, feeling the loss of Spike's heat almost immediately.

"Yeah, thanks, luv." Spike answered. The reminder that they had just been putting on a show dimmed his arousal, but didn't banish it. How could anything banish the aching pulse he felt the moment Buffy had stepped into his arms and he'd realized her intentions? God! He'd always been able to tell himself that he'd be happy with their friendship and that that was all he needed. Especially since that was all he was going to get. But now, after kissing her, touching her, feeling her warm breasts against his body, he wondered whether that would ever be true again.

That kiss had changed everything. How was he supposed to stop the ache of wanting her now? And it was only their first kiss, in the first hour of their trip. Oh lord, he was a dead man.

***

Chapter 4 - Arriving

Spike breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that Angel's and Harmony's seats were no where near theirs. He didn't want to spend any time in that poof's company unless he absolutely had to. It was bad enough that they were all going to the same conference. What were the odds?

He turned to Buffy who was sitting back in her chair, her eyes closed. He hadn't been kidding when he enticed her with more sleep. Spike knew Buffy wasn't a morning person, and the 5 AM pickup he'd scheduled with her was a big sacrifice. Without thinking about it, he brought his arm up and around her, pulling her close. "Come on, luv. I'll be your pillow." He rested her head against his shoulder.

"Mmmm." Buffy murmured, already more than half asleep. "Thanks Will." She turned slightly and kissed his neck affectionately before resettling into a more comfortable position.

Spike felt his body tighten at the brush of her lips against his skin. He willed himself not to react, after all they had shared light kisses like that for the past ten years, but his body disagreed. Spike muffled a groan so as not to wake Buffy and embarrass himself. How was he going to handle the rest of the week? They had to share a room, sleep together. He hardened further at the thought.

Well he couldn't avoid her. The whole reason he'd brought her on the trip was to give her a mini-vacation and to have someone with him to help with all the socializing. Maybe the solution was to make sure he was so exhausted by the end of the day that he couldn't do anything but fall asleep? Although Spike had a feeling no matter how exhausted he was, he wouldn't be able to sleep a wink knowing that Buffy was lying beside him, just like now. He closed his eyes in vain; it was a long flight to Kauai. He sighed.

***

Buffy woke groggily shaking her head from side to side. When she encountered a hard male chest she felt her heart stop for just a moment. Peeking through her lashes she stared up at the man sitting beside her.

Spike looked like he was asleep. She apparently had fallen asleep and made herself comfortable. Her right arm was casually thrown over his middle while her face had been snuggled into his chest. She felt a warmth spread through her as she realized that his arm was around her as well.

Buffy marveled at the fact that she was able to sleep at all. Her body still felt a thrum of excitement at the kiss they'd shared in the coffee shop. Maybe sleeping was a protective mechanism she mused. Throwing herself out of consciousness so she wouldn't have to think about the sexy tilt of his mouth, or the way his hands had caressed her body during their embrace.

She shivered at the memory. At her movement Spike's arm tightened around her shoulders. His hand began to rub up and down her arm, as if to warm her. It only caused her to shiver even more uncontrollably.

"Cold, luv?" Spike asked.

"No, I'm okay. You know, these long flights just wig my body out." Buffy answered, pulling away from the press of his body.

"Are you hungry, Buffy?" Spike asked. "I didn't want to wake you earlier. I saved a couple of bags of peanuts and the orange they brought with breakfast." He offered her.

"Thanks, Spike." Buffy took the proffered fruit and began to peel it. "Yummm." She let out a muffled groan of happiness as she sunk her teeth into the first orange sliver. She was a lot hungrier than she had originally thought and the orange tasted sweet and moist in her mouth.

Spike looked away. He couldn't watch Buffy's cute little mouth and hear the sexy noises she emitted without wanting to pull her back into his arms and continue what they started in the coffee shop this morning. "We'll be landing in about another hour." Spike informed her.

"So soon? Have I been sleeping for that long?" Buffy asked in between bites. Blushing slightly she continued, "I didn't drool on you did I?"

"No," Spike answered smiling at her flushed skin. "But it wouldn't have been the first time, luv." He teased.

"Hey! That was under extreme circumstances!" She replied, giving him a 'you dare to bring that up?' look.

"Right, extreme circumstances." Spike answered nodding.

"I was tired." Buffy pouted. "Nearly exhausted."

"Yes. So different than this morning's trip." Spike said sarcastically.

Instead of answering, Buffy just harumphed at him and turned toward the window. Spike was equally silent, though Buffy could practically feel his smirk.

She loved how comfortable they were together. The fact that they were able to tease each other mercilessly without wondering whether one of them had gone too far. They new each other well enough that they didn't have to think about things like that.

Again Buffy's mind wandered, and with no place else to go it settled back on the kiss the two of them had shared that morning. In the near decade they'd known each other, that had been their first real kiss. And she knew she hadn't imagined his response. He'd felt the same jolt she had when their lips had touched.

It gave her heart a little hope that maybe someday soon he'd reciprocate the feelings she had. At least knowing he was physically attracted to her was something. They had never really discussed it before, beyond his few compliments here and there. And she could always pass those off as the duty of friendship. But his reaction to the kiss, the way he'd taken her lips and caressed her body, could never be categorized as merely friendly.

She smiled out the window, looking forward to the week ahead.

***

The airport they arrived at was tiny. But Buffy could already tell she would love the island atmosphere. Everyone was so friendly and laid-back; it was such a contrast to the hustle and bustle she had to deal with everyday at the studio. Maybe Spike was right. Maybe she really did need a vacation.

Buffy and Spike found their luggage on the carousel and flagged down a taxi to take them to the resort. Spike nearly carried her in his haste, not relaxing until they were finally seated in the cab.

"What's the hurry, Will?" Buffy asked.

"Just didn't want to get stuck sharing a taxi, 's all." Spike answered, shrugging nonchalantly. In truth he'd been turning his head this way and that every since they'd gotten off the plane wanting to avoid Angel. And he definitely didn't want the git trying to share the taxi with them.

"O...k...a...y." Buffy answered, raising a questioning eyebrow, but when Spike didn't elaborate she just let it go.

Spike didn't really know what was wrong with him. It wasn't as if Buffy hadn't had her share of boyfriends over the past few years. But somehow now it felt different. Maybe because, for this one week at least, she was his. Didn't he have a right to be protective and possessive toward his own fiance? So what if the ruse would be over by this time next week? For now they were engaged, and he was going to act accordingly.

"So, luv, what would you like to do first?" Spike asked, trying to start up an innocuous conversation.

"Well, what time is the orientation? We have to be there for that right?"

"It's actually not until dinner tonight. The real events won't start until tomorrow morning, the workshops, speeches, and whatnot. You don't really have to attend those with me, if you're not interested. It's the other stuff I'll need help with. The dinners, team building exercises, that type of thing." Spike explained.

"Yuck! Team building exercises? Those are so lame!" Buffy exclaimed. "We have to do those at the studio all the time! They think it builds morale or something. Everyone just thinks they're dumb."

"Preaching to the choir here, luv. But they're not mandatory. Just a good way to get to know the others and do some extra networking. You know the drill."

"Yeah, I suppose that's why you're here after all."

"That it is, luv. Though I wouldn't mind spending a week just lying around on the beach with you." Spike winked at her.

Buffy's heart fluttered and she called herself a fool. Spike had been flirting with her for years. It was just another part of the friendly ego boosting duties, and a vital part of the Spike persona. Buffy had realized a long time ago that being 'Spike', let Will do a lot of things he'd never dreamed of doing before. Flirting was one of them.

"Yeah, right! You're so pale, you probably have a sun allergy you're too embarrassed to tell me about!" Buffy teased right back.

"You wound me, luv." Spike gave her a hurt impression.

"Okay, maybe you're not that pale. But you could use a little sun, mister." She admonished him.

"Well, that's why you're here with me, Buffy. To keep me on the straight and narrow, and make sure I enjoy the hot, blinding, cancer inducing UV rays abundant on the island." He smirked.

Buffy almost slugged him again, but refrained this time. She figured by the end of this trip he'd be sporting a few bruises on his arm if he kept it up, though.

Sighing deeply to display her irritation she continued, "Okay, well the first thing I'd like to do is maybe sign up for some surfing lessons. Don't you think it would be a great activity to learn? I've always thought it looked like so much fun!"

"Anything you want, Buffy." Spike answered. "We'll unpack and change, then we can head out to the activities desk and sign-up. I bet they'll have a bunch of other things you'd want to put your name down for as well."

"Great! Then maybe we could hang out on the beach for a little while before dinner? It's been so long since I've just lazed around soaking up the sun." Buffy stated wistfully.

"Sure, luv. Sounds great." This was exactly what Spike wanted. For Buffy to relax and maybe finally tell him what has been bothering her for the past few months.

They arrived at the hotel, and Spike checked them in and retrieved their key cards. A bellhop helped with the luggage, which Spike was grateful for, and led them up to their room on the fourth floor. They settled in, unpacking quickly. At least Spike unpacked quickly. Buffy was still unpacking when Spike went into the bathroom to change into his swim trunks and a comfortable tank top.

When he walked back out into the main room, Spike's jaw dropped. While he had been busy in the bathroom, Buffy had taken the opportunity to change as well. She was now sporting a two-piece bikini. And although her nether regions were covered with a sarong, see-through sarong, her top was completely exposed. The only thing covering her pert breasts were two tiny patches and a flimsy looking piece of string. Spike hardened immediately, glad that his tank top covered his arousal. He cleared his throat, not trusting his voice and waited for Buffy to turn around.

When she did, she nearly did a double take. Not that she'd never seen Spike in a bathing suit, but somehow, now, after her revelation, things were different. She could see the hard muscles of his arms rippling as he walked and reached down for the beach bag she'd filled with sun lotion and towels. His legs were taut and toned, his thighs bulging as he crouched to heft the bag on his shoulder. Buffy felt an aching pulse between her own thighs at the sight.

"Ready, luv." Spike managed to breathe out, his voice huskier than normal.

Buffy only nodded. She followed him out the door and back down toward the lobby, where the activities desk was located. Was she ready? She'd thought so on the plane. But now, in the harsh light of day, she wasn't quite sure anymore.

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